How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in South Dakota (2026)
South Dakota requires only 75 hours of Trainee qualifying education -- 12 fewer than most states -- because SD has not adopted the 8-hour Valuation Bias course. With Sioux Falls among the fastest-growing metros in the nation and strong agricultural appraisal demand statewide, qualified appraisers are well-positioned in this market.
Trainee Education
$975 – $1,525
Time to Licensed
7 – 20 months
SD Appraiser Salary
$65K – $92K+
Exam Fee
$225 (Pearson VUE)
South Dakota Appraisers Are Regulated by the SD Appraiser Certification Program
The South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program operates under the SD Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) and issues all appraiser credentials under Title XI of FIRREA. Requirements are codified in ARSD 20:14:05 (updated March 24, 2025). Key difference from most states: South Dakota requires only 75 hours of Trainee qualifying education -- SD has not adopted the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course required in most other states. Exam: Pearson VUE ($225). Licenses renew annually. Apply at dlr.sd.gov/appraisers.
South Dakota requires 75 hours of Trainee QE -- NOT 87. SD has not adopted the 8-hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course or the 4-hr Supervisory/Trainee Course as part of qualifying education (per ARSD 20:14:05, effective March 24, 2025). Verify current requirements at dlr.sd.gov/appraisers before enrolling in any course marketed as 87 hours.
Top South Dakota Appraiser Schools at a Glance
South Dakota requires only 75 hours of Trainee qualifying education because SD has not adopted the 8-hour Valuation Bias course. McKissock Learning offers a bundled SD-specific 75-hour package starting at $975 -- the recommended option. The CE Shop offers individual courses only for South Dakota (no bundle available), totaling $1,269 a-la-carte.
1. McKissock LearningBest Value
McKissock is the top choice for South Dakota appraisal QE. Their SD-specific packages cover exactly 75 hours -- the state requirement -- confirming SD has not adopted the broader 87-hr standard. The Basic Package ($975) includes Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs), Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs), and 15-hr National USPAP. The Learning Subscription ($1,525) adds 1-year access, printed textbooks, live Q&A, monthly webinars, and AI tutor. State-reported education included in all packages.
From $975
SD Trainee Basic Package (75 hrs)
2. The CE ShopA La Carte
The CE Shop offers individual courses for South Dakota appraisal QE -- no bundled package is available for this state. Individual courses: Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs, $435), Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs, $435), and 15-Hour National USPAP Live-Online (15 hrs, $399). Combined total: $1,269. Note that The CE Shop does not list the 8-hr Valuation Bias course as an SD requirement -- confirming SD has not adopted this course.
From $1,269
A-la-carte only (no SD bundle)
Best South Dakota Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 2 schools are South Dakota SD ACP-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
The CE Shop
A La CarteStarting at
$435
- No bundled package available for South Dakota -- individual courses only
- The CE Shop does not list the 8-hr Valuation Bias course for SD -- confirming SD has not adopted this requirement
- A-la-carte total: $1,269 (vs. McKissock Basic Package at $975)
- Live-online 15-hr National USPAP Course included
- Mobile-friendly platform with modern course interface
Available Packages (3)
Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs) -- Individual Course
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- AQB-approved -- accepted by SD Appraiser Certification Program
- Online self-paced format
- Note: must purchase additional courses separately to meet SD 75-hr requirement
McKissock Learning
Best ValueStarting at
$975
- SD-specific 75-hour package -- confirms SD has not adopted the 8-hr Valuation Bias requirement
- Basic Package ($975) covers all 75 SD Trainee QE hours in a single bundle
- Learning Subscription ($1,525) adds 1-year access, printed textbooks, live Q&A, monthly webinars, and AI tutor (Rubi)
- State-reported education included -- McKissock reports course completions to SD ACP
- All courses AQB-approved and accepted by SD Appraiser Certification Program
Available Packages (2)
SD Trainee Basic Package (75 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 2024 15-Hr National USPAP Course (15 hrs)
- 6-month course access
- AQB-approved -- accepted by SD Appraiser Certification Program
- Note: SD does NOT require 8-hr Valuation Bias course -- this package covers all 75 SD hrs
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a South Dakota Appraiser License?
A South Dakota appraiser credential is issued by the SD Appraiser Certification Program (under the Department of Labor and Regulation) and is required for all real property appraisals in federally related transactions. South Dakota offers four AQB-compliant credential levels. The entry credential is the State-Registered Trainee -- requiring only 75 hours of qualifying education (not 87 as in most states; SD has not adopted the 8-hr Valuation Bias course per ARSD 20:14:05). No prior experience or exam is required for the Trainee credential. Licenses renew annually.
State-Registered Trainee
75 hrs
Under supervisor; cannot sign reports independently
State-Licensed Appraiser
150 hrs total
Non-complex 1-4 unit residential under $400K transaction value
State-Certified Residential
200 hrs total
All 1-4 unit residential properties regardless of value
State-Certified General
300 hrs total
Commercial, agricultural, and all property types
South Dakota Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
State-Registered Trainee Entry level - 75 hrs QE only - No exam - SD does not require 8-hr Valuation Bias | 75 hrs (incl. 15-hr USPAP; no Valuation Bias req.) | None (under supervisor) | None | |
State-Licensed Appraiser First independent credential | 150 hrs total (75-hr upgrade from Trainee) | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None | |
State-Certified Residential All residential; no value or complexity limit | 200 hrs total | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Associate's or 21 credit hrs (AQB criteria) | |
State-Certified General All property types -- highest earnings | 300 hrs total | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
* Exam required for State-Licensed, State-Certified Residential, and State-Certified General. State-Registered Trainee is exam-exempt. SD Trainee QE = 75 hrs (not 87) -- SD has NOT adopted the 8-hr Valuation Bias course (per ARSD 20:14:05, March 2025). Source: SD Appraiser Certification Program / AQB, 2026. Verify current fees and requirements at dlr.sd.gov/appraisers.
How Much Do South Dakota Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$35K – $50K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$65K – $92K
SD state average (ZipRecruiter 2025)
Cert. General (Commercial / Ag)
$95K – $130K+
Commercial and agricultural properties
Typical Residential Fee
$300 – $550
Per residential appraisal in South Dakota
South Dakota Median Home Price
~$319,894
Zillow (South Dakota, 2025); Sioux Falls median ~$330,864
Top South Dakota Appraisal Markets
Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.
Is a South Dakota Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +Lower QE Requirement: South Dakota requires only 75 hours of Trainee qualifying education -- 12 fewer hours than states that have adopted the 8-hr Valuation Bias course. Lower course costs and a faster path to beginning your supervised experience.
- +Low Competition, Growing Markets: South Dakota has a relatively small appraiser workforce. In Sioux Falls -- one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation -- qualified appraisers are in strong demand for lender-driven residential appraisals.
- +Affordable Education Costs: McKissock's SD-specific 75-hour Basic Package starts at $975 -- one of the lowest-priced trainee education bundles in the country. Lower upfront costs reduce the barrier to entering the profession.
- +Strong Agricultural Market: Beyond residential work, South Dakota offers significant farmland and agricultural appraisal demand -- a specialty that can command premium fees in markets like Mitchell, Watertown, and Pierre.
👎 Cons
- -Supervisor Endorsement Required: South Dakota supervisory appraisers must obtain a Supervisor Endorsement from the SD Appraiser Certification Program ($150 initial fee) before taking on trainees. Not every Certified Appraiser has completed this step, making it harder to find a willing supervisor.
- -Annual Renewal: Unlike most states that renew biennially, South Dakota licenses renew annually. More frequent administrative overhead and CE deadlines. Verify current CE requirements at dlr.sd.gov/appraisers.
- -Limited Appraiser Network: South Dakota's smaller population means fewer appraisal firms and networking opportunities compared to larger states. Finding a supervisory appraiser willing to take on a trainee may take longer.
- -Small Sample Salary Data: State-specific salary data for South Dakota is limited -- Indeed's figure is based on only 3 job postings. Use the national BLS median ($65,420) as a reliable benchmark.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in South Dakota
Complete 75 Hours of Trainee Qualifying Education
Complete 75 hours of AQB-approved qualifying education: 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, and 15 hrs National USPAP. Important: South Dakota requires only 75 hours -- not 87 -- because SD has not adopted the 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing course or the 4-hr Supervisory/Trainee Course as part of QE (per ARSD 20:14:05, effective March 24, 2025). McKissock Learning offers a bundled SD-specific 75-hour package starting at $975. The CE Shop offers individual courses totaling $1,269. You must also complete SD's required Training Course for Supervisory Appraisers and State-Registered Trainees before claiming experience credit for supervised appraisals.
Find a Supervisory Appraiser and Register as State-Registered Trainee
Secure a South Dakota State-Certified Appraiser (Certified Residential or Certified General) willing to serve as your supervisory appraiser. In South Dakota, your supervisor must hold a Supervisor Endorsement from the SD Appraiser Certification Program ($150 initial fee) -- not every Certified Appraiser has completed this step. Submit your Trainee application to the SD Appraiser Certification Program with the $210 registration fee, proof of completed education, and background check. A supervisor may work with no more than 3 trainees at a time. Search the ASC National Registry at asc.gov, contact local appraisal management companies (AMCs), or network through the South Dakota Association of REALTORS to find a supervisor.
Complete Additional Qualifying Education
As you accumulate supervised experience, complete the additional qualifying education required for your target credential: 150 total hours for State-Licensed Appraiser (75-hr upgrade), 200 total hours for State-Certified Residential, or 300 total hours for State-Certified General. Most additional coursework can be completed online while working toward your experience hours in parallel.
Accumulate Supervised Experience Hours
Work under your supervisory appraiser to accumulate the required experience: 1,000 hours over at least 6 months for State-Licensed, 1,500 hours over at least 12 months for State-Certified Residential, or 3,000 hours (including at least 1,500 non-residential) over at least 18 months for State-Certified General. Maintain a detailed Appraisal Experience Log for every supervised assignment -- the SD Appraiser Certification Program requires this documentation with your application.
Apply for Your License
Once education and experience requirements are met, submit your application to the SD Appraiser Certification Program with the applicable fee: $390 for State-Licensed (includes $40 National Registry fee), $415 for State-Certified Residential, or $440 for State-Certified General. Note: SD applications are valid for only 90 days -- submit when you are ready to proceed. The board reviews your education records, experience log, and background check, then issues authorization to schedule the national exam.
Pass the Pearson VUE National Exam (NULCE)
Schedule and pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through Pearson VUE ($225 exam fee, paid at scheduling). You must correctly answer at least 75 of 125 scored questions within 4 hours. Topics include USPAP, valuation approaches (sales comparison, cost, and income), market analysis, legal considerations, and statistics. No exam is required for the State-Registered Trainee credential. Upon passing, the SD Appraiser Certification Program issues your official credential.
South Dakota Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Background check required for all credential levels
- No prior appraisal experience required for Trainee
- Supervisory appraiser must hold active SD Supervisor Endorsement ($150 initial fee)
- Both trainee and supervisor must complete SD required Training Course before claiming experience credit
- Experience only counts after Trainee registration is issued
Education
- Trainee: 75 hrs AQB-approved QE -- SD does NOT require 8-hr Valuation Bias course (per ARSD 20:14:05)
- State-Licensed: 150 total hrs (75-hr upgrade from Trainee)
- State-Certified Residential: 200 total hrs
- State-Certified General: 300 total hrs + Bachelor's degree required
- 15-hr National USPAP Course required at all credential levels
- Online AQB-approved providers (McKissock, The CE Shop) accepted by SD ACP
Exam (Pearson VUE)
- National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE)
- In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers
- Exam fee: $225 per attempt (paid directly to Pearson VUE at scheduling)
- Passing score: 75 out of 125 scored questions (60% threshold)
- Required for State-Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General
- State-Registered Trainee is exam-exempt
Application and Renewal
- Trainee registration fee: $210 (no National Registry fee at trainee level)
- State-Licensed application fee: $390 ($350 + $40 National Registry)
- Certified Residential application fee: $415 ($375 + $40 National Registry)
- Certified General application fee: $440 ($400 + $40 National Registry)
- Applications valid for only 90 days -- submit when ready to proceed
- Licenses renew annually -- verify current CE requirements at dlr.sd.gov/appraisers
South Dakota Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee qualifying education (75 hrs) | $975 – $1,525 |
| SD Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Training Course | $25 – $75 |
| State-Registered Trainee application fee (SD ACP) | $210 |
| Background check / fingerprinting | $25 – $60 |
| Additional QE courses (75 hrs to 150 hrs for State-Licensed) | $150 – $500 |
| State-Licensed Appraiser application fee (SD ACP) | $390 |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (NULCE) | $225 |
| Exam prep / study materials | $0 – $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,325 – $2,260 |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with SD ACP before applying.
The South Dakota Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE -- National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination
- Provider
- Pearson VUE
- Questions
- 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 125 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $225 per attempt
- Pass Rate
- Approximately 60-70% nationally (SD-specific rate not publicly published)
- Trainee Exempt
- Yes — no exam for Trainee
Key Exam Content Areas
- Real Property Concepts and Characteristics
- Legal Considerations in Appraisal
- Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use
- Valuation Approaches -- Sales Comparison, Cost, and Income
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- USPAP -- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (~20-25% of exam)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Complete your qualifying education before scheduling the exam -- course content is directly tested
- • Focus heavily on USPAP -- it accounts for approximately 20-25% of exam questions
- • Budget 4-6 weeks of dedicated study after completing qualifying education
- • At $225 per attempt, thorough preparation is worth the investment
About SD ACP — South Dakota's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program
- Phone
- See dlr.sd.gov/appraisers for current contact info
- Address
- 123 W Missouri Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
- Website
- dlr.sd.gov/appraisers
- Parent Agency
- SD Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR)
- Address
- 123 W Missouri Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
- ARSD Reference
- ARSD 20:14:05 (updated March 24, 2025)
Key South Dakota Rules
- South Dakota Trainee QE = 75 hours (not 87) -- SD has NOT adopted the 8-hr Valuation Bias course (per ARSD 20:14:05, effective March 24, 2025)
- Supervisor Endorsement required: supervisory appraisers must pay $150 initial / $100 renewal to SD ACP before taking on trainees
- Both trainee and supervisor must complete SD required Training Course before experience credit can be claimed
- Applications valid for only 90 days -- submit when ready to proceed with the exam
- National Registry fee ($40) required for Licensed and above; not required at Trainee level
- Certified Residential: Associate's degree or 21 credit hrs (or 5-yr Licensed alternative per AQB criteria)
- Certified General: Bachelor's degree required; 3,000 hrs / 18 months (1,500 hrs must be non-residential)
How Long Does It Take? Realistic South Dakota Timelines
Full-Time
7–9 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 75-hr QE (2-4 weeks online)
- 2.Apply for Trainee registration ($210)
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade (75 hrs) + 1,000 hrs / 6 months
- 4.Apply ($390) + pass Pearson VUE exam ($225)
Part-Time
12–20 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 75-hr QE evenings/weekends (6-10 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Trainee registration ($210)
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs over 10-18 months
- 4.Apply + pass exam after meeting all requirements
Certified General
3–5 years total
- 1.Complete 300-hr QE; hold Bachelor's degree
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months minimum
- 3.Sioux Falls and Rapid City: strong commercial and ag demand
- 4.Pass CG exam; apply to SD Appraiser Certification Program
South Dakota requires only 75 hours of Trainee QE -- 12 fewer than most states -- because SD has not adopted the 8-hour Valuation Bias course. Lower education hours mean a faster start and lower upfront cost. Finding a supervisory appraiser who already holds the SD Supervisor Endorsement is typically the most time-consuming step.
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South Dakota Appraiser License Renewal
South Dakota appraiser licenses renew annually (not biennially like most states). Verify current CE hour requirements and renewal deadline at dlr.sd.gov/appraisers before your license expires.
The 7-hour USPAP Update Course is required periodically. Confirm the exact CE requirement for annual SD renewal at dlr.sd.gov/appraisers or contact the SD Appraiser Certification Program directly.
Annual
Renewal Cycle
14 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
7 hrs (verify at dlr.sd.gov)
USPAP Update
Frequently Asked Questions
How many education hours are required to become a South Dakota appraiser?
South Dakota requires 75 hours of qualifying education for the State-Registered Trainee credential -- not 87 hours as in most states. SD has not adopted the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course or the 4-hour Supervisory/Trainee Course as part of qualifying education (per ARSD 20:14:05, effective March 24, 2025). The 75-hour Trainee requirement includes 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, and 15 hrs National USPAP. For higher credentials: 150 total hours for State-Licensed, 200 for Certified Residential, and 300 for Certified General.
How long does it take to become a licensed appraiser in South Dakota?
The fastest path to State-Licensed Appraiser in South Dakota is approximately 7-9 months for a full-time candidate, since the state requires at least 1,000 hours of experience over no fewer than 6 months. Most working professionals take 12-20 months. South Dakota's 75-hour Trainee education requirement means you can complete pre-licensing coursework faster than in states that have adopted the 8-hr Valuation Bias requirement. Finding a supervisory appraiser who holds the SD Supervisor Endorsement is typically the most time-consuming step.
Does South Dakota require the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course?
No. As of the most recent update to ARSD 20:14:05 (effective March 24, 2025), South Dakota has not adopted the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course as part of its Trainee qualifying education requirement. South Dakota Trainee QE remains at 75 hours. If a provider offers an 87-hour package for SD, confirm whether the extra 12 hours are optional or required under current state rules before enrolling. Always verify current requirements at dlr.sd.gov/appraisers.
What is the Pearson VUE appraiser exam like in South Dakota?
South Dakota appraisers take the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through Pearson VUE. The exam has 125 scored questions and you must answer at least 75 correctly (60% passing threshold). It covers USPAP standards, valuation approaches (sales comparison, cost, and income), market analysis, legal considerations, and statistics. You have 4 hours to complete the exam and pay $225 to Pearson VUE at scheduling. No exam is required for the State-Registered Trainee credential.
How much does it cost to get a South Dakota appraiser license?
The total cost to become a State-Licensed Appraiser in South Dakota ranges from approximately $1,325 to $2,260. This includes trainee qualifying education ($975-$1,525 via McKissock, or $1,269 a-la-carte from CE Shop), the required SD Supervisory/Trainee training course ($25-$75), the Trainee registration fee ($210), additional QE courses for the Licensed level ($150-$500), the State-Licensed application fee ($390), the Pearson VUE exam fee ($225), background check ($25-$60), and optional exam prep ($0-$200).
How do I find a supervisory appraiser in South Dakota?
Finding a supervisory appraiser is often the most challenging step. In South Dakota, supervisory appraisers must hold a Supervisor Endorsement from the SD Appraiser Certification Program ($150 initial fee), so not every Certified Appraiser is immediately eligible to take on trainees. Strategies: search the ASC National Registry at asc.gov for Certified Appraisers in South Dakota, contact local appraisal firms in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, reach out to appraisal management companies (AMCs) that hire trainees, and network through the South Dakota Association of REALTORS. A supervisor can have no more than 3 trainees at once.
Do I need a college degree to become a South Dakota appraiser?
No college degree is required to become a State-Registered Trainee or State-Licensed Appraiser in South Dakota. However, the State-Certified Residential level requires meeting AQB college education criteria: an Associate's degree in a related field, completion of 21 semester credit hours of specified coursework, or 5 years as a State-Licensed Appraiser in good standing. The State-Certified General credential (highest level) requires a full Bachelor's degree with no alternatives.
How much do real estate appraisers earn in South Dakota?
South Dakota real estate appraisers typically earn between $65,000 and $92,000+ per year depending on credential level and market. ZipRecruiter reports a state average of approximately $91,772 (2025). The national BLS median of $65,420 (May 2024, OES 13-2020) is a reliable benchmark for entry and mid-level appraisers. In Sioux Falls, the largest and fastest-growing market, residential appraisers benefit from strong lender demand. State-Certified General Appraisers handling commercial or agricultural properties typically earn 25-40% more than residential-only appraisers.
What is the South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program?
The South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program operates under the SD Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) and is responsible for certifying, licensing, and registering all real estate appraisers in South Dakota pursuant to Title XI of FIRREA. The program sets education requirements (codified in ARSD 20:14:05), approves course providers, processes applications, enforces professional standards, and issues Supervisor Endorsements. All SD-licensed appraisers are listed in the ASC National Registry at asc.gov. Visit dlr.sd.gov/appraisers for current information.
What is USPAP and why does it matter for South Dakota appraisers?
USPAP stands for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice -- the nationwide ethical and performance standards for all real estate appraisers, developed by The Appraisal Foundation. South Dakota appraisers must complete the 15-hour National USPAP course as part of their 75-hour qualifying education at the Trainee level, and renew their USPAP knowledge periodically with a 7-hour USPAP Update Course. USPAP governs how appraisals are conducted, reported, and signed. Non-compliance can result in license discipline. USPAP accounts for approximately 20-25% of the national Pearson VUE exam questions.